Two SBDC Clients are Entrepreneurs of the Year
July 5, 2016
Two clients of FSC’s Small Business Development Center have been named Entrepreneurs of the Year by The New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They are two of nine winners chosen from a pool of more than 20,000 small business from all over the 
state.
The winners – Versa-Tel, Inc. and Kimco Group, Inc. – were lauded by SBDC State Director James King, who said: “Their hard-work and dedication helped them achieve success and accomplish their goals, while at the same time making a positive impact on the state’s economy.” The awards are given 
to business owners whose efforts resulted in strong business growth during the previous calendar year with the help of SBDC business advisers, research, and services.
Versa-Tel, Inc. was named Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year. The company, owned by Michael D’Antoni, designs and installs cutting-edge commercial telecommunications systems, specializing in full-scope fiber optic network systems for high-speed data and voice. FSC’s SBDC helped the company obtain a NYS Service Disabled Veteran Certification, one of only 160 small businesses with this certification.
Kimco Group, Inc. was named Procurement Entrepreneur of the Year. Kimco is a mechanical construction company that specializes in plan and specification work in both the public and private sectors. The company has grown substantially, from completed projects of less than $10,000 in 2012 to more than $3.5 million by the end of 2015, thanks to federal and state procurements. The business is owned by Kim DiLeo.
“It is so rewarding to work with hundreds of small businesses each year,” said SBDC Regional Director Erica Chase-Gregory. “We are proud of Michael and Kim, and the staff of the SBDC was so excited to celebrate them both at this year’s awards dinner. They are truly deserving of these prestigious awards!”
Administered by the State University of New York and funded in part by the U. S. Small Business Administration and the State of New York, the SBDC combines the resources of the University, the private sector, and government to benefit Long Island businesses. Its mission is to provide professional business advisement, education, network resources and to advocate for small business and entrepreneurs.
On another note, SBDC business adviser Christina Loggia has also won an award. She is this year’s recipient of the State Star Award – the highest prize an adviser can earn in the SBDC network. Chase-Gregory was effusive in her praise of Loggia.
“Christina is an outstanding adviser who works hard to ensure her clients have the tools and resources necessary to start or to expand their business. It is a well-deserved honor.”
